Consumer Warning: Direct-to-consumer orthodontic products
Orthodontics Australia strongly urges consumers to be wary of the safety risks of DIY and direct to consumer clear aligner orthodontic products now being offered in Australia.
These clear aligner products are sold direct to consumers, meaning there is no in-person consultation by an orthodontist. Companies providing these types of products have been operating in the United States for several years where they have been heavily criticised by consumers and industry groups for over-promising and under-delivering on treatment results.
As part of these services, consumers typically have their teeth scanned at a retail outlet – which may be done by a person who has no dental qualifications, or are mailed a DIY kit to take impressions of their own teeth. The scans or moulds are then used to create a course of clear aligner trays that are sent directly to the consumer to administer themselves. This method doesn’t account for variations in people’s teeth and does not allow for any adjustment to the treatment once the aligners have been sent. In addition, no X-rays are taken to assess the health of the teeth and surrounding bone, so there is no way to determine if the proposed tooth movement is safe or even feasible, or if the tooth roots, gums and bone are healthy enough to tolerate tooth movement.
OrthodonticsAustralia’s view is that starting orthodontic treatment without having a face to face consultation with a specialist orthodontist and their clinical team exposes the patient to significant potential risks.
Consumers are often unaware of the potential risks of improperly applied orthodontics and are unable to tell when something is going wrong until it is too late. By the time they realise that there has been an error, their teeth and gums may be damaged, leading to even more costly remedial orthodontic procedures and in some cases, corrective surgery.
Teeth straightening is a complex dental procedure, and requires a proper pre-treatment assessment and ongoing supervision, just like any other healthcare procedure. Orthodontics Australia recommends consulting a specialist orthodontist for a comprehensive assessment before commencing any form of orthodontic treatment, no matter how simple it may seem. They will be able to provide you with a detailed overview of all feasible treatment options, including limited treatment options for the budget-conscious, to ensure safe and professional treatment.
Comments
Braces patient says:
Hi, if my braces from oversea and want to doing my treatment or if bracket loose can find in adelaide?
How much the cost will get charge?
Thank you
Orthodontics Australia says:
Hi, There's no set costs for orthodontic treatment in Australia, it's best to get in touch with an orthodontist near you to enquire about their pricing. You can use our Finder Tool to search for orthodontists near you: https://finder.orthodonticsaustralia.org.au/
It would be helpful for your chosen orthodontist to bring along any information about your treatment and to provide them with contact details for your usual orthodontist so they can ensure they're helping your treatment stay on track.
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